Lady Buffs' soccer team unable to contain Ridgeview

An already shorthanded Madras girls soccer team was reduced to just one substitute player by the end of its game against Ridgeview last Thursday, which the Lady Buffs eventually lost 4-0.

Without two key players in Erika Olivera and Kelsey Olivera, as well as likely starting defender Kylie Borchert who played limited minutes with a knee injury, the Buffs ran low on energy by the game's end.

Ridgeview senior Aspen Jeter accounted for all four of her team's goals, the first of which she scored just two minutes into the game on a defensive miscommunication by Madras.

Yet for all the Buffs didn't have in their favor, head coach Shawn Darrow credited his team for competing throughout the contest.

"We had a younger squad than we're going to have for the rest of the season," he said. "I just loved the way they competed. The girls were all super gassed and I think they were gassed for a reason; they were giving 100 percent."

The score line might not have reflected it, but Madras goalkeeper Cheydon Herkshan had a strong game in the net, preventing Ridgeview from doing further damage with a number of timely saves.

"She was incredible," Darrow said. "Without her, the game could've been much worse ... She made a lot of great plays. I was happy with how she came out. It was unfortunate that miscommunication right off the bat; it was some nerves and some jitters."

The Buffs' attack was dealt a tough hand when forward Jackie Zamora went down early in the second half with an ankle injury after she collided with a Ridgeview player going for a loose ball.

She had to be helped off the field, unable to put any weight on her ankle, and also had to have her shin guard cut off by a Madras trainer. Her status is uncertain going forward.

The Buffs' match against Sisters on Tuesday was canceled due to poor air quality in the Madras area. With a full week before their next game, they hope to return most players when they face The Dalles on the road Sept. 14.

"Hopefully we can get some girls back and get some girls healthy," Darrow said.

Contact Will Denner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Follow him on Twitter @MadrasSports, @WillCDenner